Staples

We have learned that Staples stores in the US will soon offer to give anyone with an eligible Windows 7 or 8.1 PC a quick offline upgrade to Windows 10 for free, even if the PC was not bought at Staples.

Things that make us happy at Windows Phone Central include cool new apps, updated apps, leaked handsets and deals. Here’s a deal that should appeal to a number of you looking to get into the Windows 8 game or complement your current devices. Get $100 off a Windows 8 tablet at Staples. More details below.

Yesterday, we were moments away from posting a story about how the normally $499 priced 32GB Surface RT was reduced by $100 at Staples, including online purchases. Unfortunately as we were going to press, Staples changed the price back to $499, which is still reflected on their website. Curses!

Staples has released a Windows 8 app to provide customers quick and easy access to their online stores. You can tap into your Staples Rewards account and cruise through all the virtual aisles to find all your small business and home office supplies.

You can pin commonly used features to your Windows 8 Start screen, including an ink & toner finder, a printer finder, and your “lists” section, where you can create and share distinctive lists of Staples products, like “my favorites” or “recent orders.” With the snap view on Windows 8, you can set up a list of favorite features from the Staples app on either the left or right-hand side of their screen. Shopping carts created from the Windows 8 app can be viewed or modified from other Staples.com sources (mobile website, desktop website, smartphone app, etc.) when you sign into your account.

Staples has an interesting Windows 8 Trade up to Touch program running where you can earn you a little cash back and have the opportunity to recycle your old computer in the process.

When you buy a qualifying touch screen laptop or tablet at Staples, just fill in the online claim form within fourteen days and you'll receive a prepaid shipping label to turn in your older, qualifying device. Just pack up the old computer, drop it off at UPS and within thirty days you'll receive a pre-paid VISA card for up to $400.

Just as was reported yesterday, Microsoft has begun to push their Surface RT into third party retailers—a move that was not suppose to occur until after the New Year.

Heading to Best Buy’s and Staples online stores we can see the Surface RT now available, with the Surface front and center on Best Buy's site. The popular retailers are carrying three version: 32GB with no keyboard, 32GB with black Touch Cover and a 64GB with black Touch Cover. No word on accessories or other colors for the Touch Cover being available, though perhaps they are in store. The prices are the same ranging from $499 up to $699.